As October rolls in, the excitement for Halloween grows, and what better way to celebrate than by indulging in some spine-chilling horror movies releasing in October? This month is known for being the prime time for horror releases, and 2024 is no exception. This year’s lineup brings a thrilling mix of supernatural scares, psychological tension, and good old-fashioned jump scares that are perfect for a Halloween watch. Whether you’re a fan of haunted tales, monstrous creatures, or mind-bending thrillers, these upcoming horror movies will give you all the frights you need for the spooky season. So grab your popcorn and prepare for a terrifyingly good time!
Horror Movies Releasing in October 2024
Smile 2
If the original Smile left you haunted with its eerie grins and sinister atmosphere, then Smile 2 promises to deliver even more spine-tingling terror. Directed by Parker Finn, the 2024 sequel returns with an all-new protagonist, Skye Riley (played by Naomi Scott), a pop sensation who starts experiencing increasingly terrifying events as she prepares for her world tour. What makes this film stand out is its unsettling blend of supernatural horror and psychological tension.
The disturbing grin that became the trademark of the first film is back, but this time, it’s layered with even deeper psychological trauma. As Skye is forced to confront her dark past, the movie takes us on a ride where reality and madness blur together. Expect jump scares, a haunting soundtrack, and a story that will make you question what’s lurking behind every smile. If you’re looking for psychological horror to mess with your mind, Smile 2 should be on your list this Halloween.
Don’t Move
Set to release on October 25 on Netflix, Don’t Move is bound to keep you on the edge of your seat. Directed by Adam Schindler and Brian Netto, this horror-thriller stars Kelsey Asbille and Finn Wittrock in a pulse-pounding survival tale. The film revolves around a seasoned killer who injects a grieving woman with a paralytic agent, leaving her in a race against time to survive before her body completely shuts down.
If you’re a fan of intense, nail-biting thrillers that focus on survival and suspense, Don’t Move delivers. The stakes are high, the tension is palpable, and the feeling of helplessness is terrifyingly real. Watching the protagonist fight against the inevitable as she struggles to survive is not just thrilling—it’s downright terrifying. You’ll find yourself holding your breath as the clock ticks closer to her body giving out.
MaXXXine
For those who love their horror with a side of Hollywood glitz, MaXXXine is a must-watch. Directed by Ti West, this film is the third instalment in the X film series and continues Maxine’s journey (played by Mia Goth) as she chases fame in the 1980s Hollywood scene. But what begins as a glamorous pursuit of stardom soon turns into a deadly game as a mysterious killer targets Maxine.
The film’s stylish mix of retro Hollywood glamour and slasher horror makes it stand out. If you’re a fan of 80s aesthetics combined with heart-racing suspense, MaXXXine promises a fun yet terrifying cinematic experience. With a star-studded cast including Elizabeth Debicki, Moses Sumney, and Kevin Bacon, this one is perfect for those who like their horror with a little flair.
All You Need Is Blood
For those looking for something that mixes horror with a touch of humour, All You Need Is Blood hits all the right marks. Releasing on October 25, this zombie flick brings a fresh twist to the genre. The plot follows a 16-year-old aspiring director who finds his life turned upside down when a meteor turns his father into a brain-eating zombie. To cope with the chaos, he and his friends decide to make the ultimate student film.
Directed by Cooper Roberts and starring Neel Sethi, Logan Riley Bruner, and Mena Suvari, this film blends dark comedy with zombie action in a way that’s both hilarious and horrifying. It’s a perfect pick if you’re in the mood for some laughs amidst the scares, proving that even in the midst of a zombie apocalypse, a little humor goes a long way.
Outside
For a more eerie and atmospheric horror experience, Outside is a Philippine post-apocalyptic survival horror film that brings the dread in a slower, more psychological way. Released today on Netflix, this movie centers around a family trying to outrun a violent zombie outbreak by hiding in an abandoned farmhouse.
But, as is often the case in horror, the real danger doesn’t always come from the zombies outside. The family begins to uncover dark secrets within the farmhouse, and the movie pivots from a simple survival story to something much more chilling. If you love post-apocalyptic horror mixed with family drama and a few unexpected twists, this movie should be on your Halloween 2024 watchlist.
Special Mention
Speak No Evil
Though technically released in September, Speak No Evil is still making waves in theatres and deserves a spot on this list. A remake of the 2022 Danish-Dutch film, this psychological horror will crawl under your skin and stay with you long after the credits roll. The plot follows an American family invited to a remote farmhouse by a seemingly friendly British couple. But things quickly turn sinister as their hosts begin pushing boundaries in disturbing ways.
It’s the kind of slow-burn psychological horror that builds tension gradually until you’re left completely unnerved. With stellar performances by James McAvoy and Mackenzie Davis, Speak No Evil is for those who enjoy unsettling, cerebral horror over gory shock value.